(2) K-3 Illustrated by Barbara McClintock. The title page of this heartfelt story about the death of a pet features an older man, recognizably the late author, gazing down at an empty dog bed. Two wordless illustrations follow: a single page shows dePaola looking small under an expanse of sky as a cloud in the shape of a sleeping dog floats by overhead; next, a double-page spread shows him indoors with a picture of a dog in a heart-shaped frame, the empty dog bed nearby. After this visual preamble signaling loss, dePaola's simple first-person text reflects on life with his beloved pet. In seven sections, all introduced with the titular question (eventually answered), he recalls the early days with Bronte and how their devotion to each other deepened over the pup's twelve years of life. In McClintock's mixed-media art, a pastel color palette, deft line work, and uncluttered compositions pay homage to the beloved author without being derivative. A pleasing variety of spreads, panels, vignettes, and single pages sets the story's pace and keeps young readers engaged. The moment dePaola realizes that Bronte will be "in my heart forever" is illustrated by a full-bleed double-page spread with a Bronte-shaped cloud frolicking under a rainbow. This sentimental expression of grief may not resonate with all who've lost a pet (or human), but it's comforting. The fact that the author died in 2020 adds another layer of meaning to this satisfying tribute. McClintock's appended illustrator's note adds some personal reflections.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2025

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Raz Latif. This book explains that the strength of dogs’ senses evolved from their wolf ancestors; predators need superior senses of hearing and smell to find prey. Sections for each sense compare the way dogs experience that sense versus humans, including exercises for experiencing dogs’ senses yourself. The straightforward and approachable text is accompanied by clearly labeled diagrams and charming illustrations of dogs doing what they do best (including...eating diapers!). A glossary and further reading list are appended.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Giselle Potter. he Potter mother-daughter team tells the true story of Togo, an exceptional Siberian husky owned by the musher Leonhard Seppala of Nome, Alaska. An accessible text recounts Togo's somewhat tumultuous beginnings. Ultimately, Seppala made him the lead dog of his sled team hauling cargoes of food and mail. In January 1925, when Togo was almost twelve, an outbreak of diphtheria in Nome coincided with a "blasting" blizzard. Families were desperate to get medicine, and the town knew their only hope was the sled dogs. In a carefully planned relay, one hundred fifty dogs would cover the 674-mile route between Nome and Anchorage. Seppala's team, with Togo in the lead, traveled the hardest and longest part of the race, over two hundred fifty miles. "He steered his team along jagged ice-capped slopes and led them up and over a five-thousand-foot mountain pass!" The book emphasizes the role that Togo's intelligence and bravery played in the serum's record-time arrival, which saved the lives of many children. Milisande Potter crafts an exciting story and deftly weaves the history of the Serum Run of 1925 into one canine hero's tale. Giselle Potter, using ink and watercolor, perfectly captures Togo's clear-sighted determination and fearlessness. Appended with an author's note and sources.

Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2024

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Ishaa Lobo. With a refrain of “thank you for,” this wholehearted shout-out to our canine companions (the narrator addresses them directly) enumerates their physical attributes to celebrate what makes them so simpatico with humans. Although some companion pooches (including one with a disability) are acknowledged in the warm-and-fuzzy digital illustrations, service dogs also receive literal and figurative pats on the back. A grief therapy dog, a courtroom support dog, and a future assistance dog are among the sung heroes featured in the artwork. Human characters are racially and ability diverse. The closing double-page spread offering an aerial view of a dog shelter’s fundraising event explicates the concept of gratitude in action. Back matter educates readers about therapy dogs.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(2) 4-6 Preceding the title page, four double-page spreads take readers back to the Stone Age when Paleolithic hominins first began domesticating dogs. From there, Judge (The Wisdom of Trees, rev. 7/21) traces the symbiotic relationship between humans and canines, showing how dogs have been helpers, healers, partners, and even fashion accessories through the centuries. In turn, humans have provided dogs with shelter, food, and companionship. Judge includes interesting tangential information to expand her narrative, such as noting that dogs are the only animals innately able to look where a human points. Best of all, though, she frequently shares her information sources, citing archaeological evidence within the text. For example, she notes artifacts and carvings from ancient canine burial sites that indicate the early importance of family dogs. These lovable "face-licking, sandwich-snatching family members" appear to share with humans the "love hormone" oxytocin, joyously displayed here in many of the expressive gouache and watercolor illustrations. Judge does not ignore other canine contributions, featuring, for instance, a moving portrait of a battlefield rescue dog and an expanded discussion of service dogs. Back matter includes an informative author's note, illustrations of various breeds and noteworthy dogs throughout history, a timeline, and a bibliography.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2023

(3) K-3 "Do dogs have exceptional eyesight?" "How do we know when dogs were domesticated?" "Why does the Shih Tzu have a white spot on its head?" "Who's the world's tallest dog?" In this browsable survey, Abbott briefly answers questions (and poses the occasional riddle) about dog physiology, behaviors, traits, history, breeds, jobs, lore, and superlatives. All this information leads up to the book's final pages focusing on things to consider before embarking (heh) on welcoming a pup into your home. Cartoon illustrations resembling Nick Sharratt's friendly style enliven the packed pages.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Ready-to-Read: Tails from History series. Illustrated by Rachel Sanson. The latest installments in this easy-reader series about famous animals in history present two new compelling protagonists: a Japanese Akita adopted by Helen Keller and a cat dubbed "mayor" of a small town in Alaska. Nakamura imposes mild drama on both "tails," while Sanson's straightforward and appealing cartoon illustrations give new readers lots of visual help with the narratives. Further facts are appended. Review covers these Ready-to-Read: Tails from History titles: The Cat Who Ruled the Town and A Puppy for Helen Keller.

Reviewer: Erica Wetter

(3) K-3 A Dog's Life series. Each book in this series for dog owners focuses on a different aspect of dog/human interactions, training beginning readers in proper, humane pet ownership. Expressive canine portraits and simple, bright graphics complement the clear, direct instructions, and the straightforward texts provide meaningful, interesting content. Each volume concludes with a hands-on activity. Websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these A Dog's Life titles: Bonding with Your Dog, Handling Your Dog, Listening to Your Dog, Sensing Like Your Dog, Speaking to Your Dog, and Treating Your Dog

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(3) K-3 A Dog's Life series. Each book in this series for dog owners focuses on a different aspect of dog/human interactions, training beginning readers in proper, humane pet ownership. Expressive canine portraits and simple, bright graphics complement the clear, direct instructions, and the straightforward texts provide meaningful, interesting content. Each volume concludes with a hands-on activity. Websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these A Dog's Life titles: Bonding with Your Dog, Handling Your Dog, Listening to Your Dog, Sensing Like Your Dog, Speaking to Your Dog, and Treating Your Dog

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(3) K-3 A Dog's Life series. Each book in this series for dog owners focuses on a different aspect of dog/human interactions, training beginning readers in proper, humane pet ownership. Expressive canine portraits and simple, bright graphics complement the clear, direct instructions, and the straightforward texts provide meaningful, interesting content. Each volume concludes with a hands-on activity. Websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these A Dog's Life titles: Bonding with Your Dog, Handling Your Dog, Listening to Your Dog, Sensing Like Your Dog, Speaking to Your Dog, and Treating Your Dog

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(3) K-3 A Dog's Life series. Each book in this series for dog owners focuses on a different aspect of dog/human interactions, training beginning readers in proper, humane pet ownership. Expressive canine portraits and simple, bright graphics complement the clear, direct instructions, and the straightforward texts provide meaningful, interesting content. Each volume concludes with a hands-on activity. Websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these A Dog's Life titles: Bonding with Your Dog, Handling Your Dog, Listening to Your Dog, Sensing Like Your Dog, Speaking to Your Dog, and Treating Your Dog

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(3) K-3 A Dog's Life series. Each book in this series for dog owners focuses on a different aspect of dog/human interactions, training beginning readers in proper, humane pet ownership. Expressive canine portraits and simple, bright graphics complement the clear, direct instructions, and the straightforward texts provide meaningful, interesting content. Each volume concludes with a hands-on activity. Websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these A Dog's Life titles: Bonding with Your Dog, Handling Your Dog, Listening to Your Dog, Sensing Like Your Dog, Speaking to Your Dog, and Treating Your Dog

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(3) K-3 A Dog's Life series. Each book in this series for dog owners focuses on a different aspect of dog/human interactions, training beginning readers in proper, humane pet ownership. Expressive canine portraits and simple, bright graphics complement the clear, direct instructions, and the straightforward texts provide meaningful, interesting content. Each volume concludes with a hands-on activity. Websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these A Dog's Life titles: Bonding with Your Dog, Handling Your Dog, Listening to Your Dog, Sensing Like Your Dog, Speaking to Your Dog, and Treating Your Dog

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(3) K-3 Granny Twinkle introduces breeds of cats, and some history, to a boy who comes to her house to choose a free kitten. She talks about Egyptian cat worship, exporting cats from Egypt to Europe, and cats' efforts to kill plague-carrying rats in the Middle Ages. More cat facts and an activity are appended to this new edition of the previously titled The Kids' Cat Book. Websites.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: April, 1980

(3) 4-6 From hunters and protectors to lap dogs and playmates, the role of dogs throughout human history is chronicled in classic National Geographic style. Albee's engaging prose details the fascinating ways in which their history has intertwined with ours. Packed with information and images in an eye-catching layout, this volume will give dog lovers new appreciation for their beloved companions. Reading list. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(3) K-3 This funny face-off pits piglets against pugs, and they compete in categories as far-flung and silly as "biggest celebrity" representatives, "curliest tail," and "most talented." Information is presented in interesting (if somewhat crowded) text and National Geographic's signature eye-catching photographs. A framing comic has the two competitors in a boxing ring with fast-talking announcers and rowdy animal spectators. Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(3) K-3 Fetch! series. These clean-looking volumes wisely focus on photos, with large, clear, and adorable images of the given breed on each spread. Friendly text (dachshunds "look like hot dogs") introduces readers to each breed's characteristics, personality, and care, and gives famous examples from movies and television (Frank in Men in Black, Gidget in Taco Bell commercials). These are age-appropriate overviews for current and future pet owners. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Fetch! titles: Boxers, Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, and Pugs.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(3) K-3 Fetch! series. These clean-looking volumes wisely focus on photos, with large, clear, and adorable images of the given breed on each spread. Friendly text (dachshunds "look like hot dogs") introduces readers to each breed's characteristics, personality, and care, and gives famous examples from movies and television (Frank in Men in Black, Gidget in Taco Bell commercials). These are age-appropriate overviews for current and future pet owners. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Fetch! titles: Boxers, Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, and Pugs.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(3) K-3 Fetch! series. These clean-looking volumes wisely focus on photos, with large, clear, and adorable images of the given breed on each spread. Friendly text (dachshunds "look like hot dogs") introduces readers to each breed's characteristics, personality, and care, and gives famous examples from movies and television (Frank in Men in Black, Gidget in Taco Bell commercials). These are age-appropriate overviews for current and future pet owners. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Fetch! titles: Boxers, Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, and Pugs.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(3) K-3 Ready-to-Read: Tails from History series. Illustrated by Rachel Sanson. This amusing easy reader tells the silly-but-true story of President Calvin Coolidge's misfit pet Rebecca, a raccoon who ate her meals at the table and even participated in the White House Easter Egg Roll. Sanson's playful, cheery illustrations prominently feature the Coolidges' menagerie of unusual pets (including a donkey and a wallaby) while highlighting Rebecca's personality and her struggle to fit in. Additional facts are appended.

Reviewer: Erica Wetter